On a memorable afternoon for the Seven Barrows handler, he also teamed up with stable jockey Barry Geraghty to claim the Markel Insurance Henry VIII Novices' Chase with Captain Conan.

Sprinter Sacre (4-11 favourite) was the undoubted star of the show though, extending his unbeaten run over fences to six on his seasonal bow in the Grade One feature.

Much had been made of the showdown between Sprinter Sacre and the Paul Nicholls-trained Sanctuaire, but it turned into a one-horse race on the day.

Ruby Walsh set out to make all aboard Sanctuaire and built up an eight-length advantage at one stage, but Sprinter Sacre reeled him back in with the minimum of effort to take charge three fences from home.

Geraghty's mount was then barely out of second gear as he pulled away from the toiling Sanctuaire to run out a 15-length winner without really coming off the bridle, and the early leader paid for his exploits as he was eventually caught for second by the fast-finishing Kumbeshwar.

Henderson said: "He has got the 'wow' factor. It's been a long time since Aintree and I admit to being petrified about Sanctuaire. I knew that horse had got pace and would put it into the race, which would stretch anybody, and it was as soft as our fellow would ever want to go on.

"He's just class isn't he? I knew I had something a bit special and I just wanted it to stay that way. That's as good a two-mile chaser as you'll ever see.

"He will probably go for the Victor Chandler and Cheltenham, I don't know for sure, but there aren't that many options, and then on to Aintree or Punchestown."